I've been picking up some chatter regarding the TSA and their "Viper" teams, and was wondering if anyone here have experienced a traffic stop being run by these people.

The chatter is that these "teams" are conducting vehicle check points in several areas of the country currently, and ask to search your vehicle. These people are not sworn officers and have no police powers, or so I have been told. DHS appears to be expanding the use of TSA, and currently there is a bill in the Senate, having already passed in the House, that, if passed and signed into law would grant the TSA authority over all mass transit, not just air travel.

I look at this development as yet another "ill wind" on our individual liberty. I am curious how this interaction would go with armed citizens.

July 13th, 2012, 01:40 PM

Sig35seven

It is illegal to search your vehicle without probable cause. I would NOT allow it.

This sounds like yet another rumor.

July 13th, 2012, 01:47 PM

MattInFla

The TSA has a program called VIPR (Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response), which deploys teams to rail stations, bus depots and ferry terminals.

I don't see anything about traffic stops or vehicle searches.

July 13th, 2012, 01:55 PM

PatAz

Show some proof and not just some "chatter". Then we can start to worry.

July 13th, 2012, 01:57 PM

CherokeeSlim

The original news story that I saw showed them on I-40 at a truck scales inspecting trucks.
Cherokee Slim

July 13th, 2012, 02:00 PM

mlr1m

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sig35seven

It is illegal to search your vehicle without probable cause. I would NOT allow it.

This sounds like yet another rumor.

Quote:

The chatter is that these "teams" are conducting vehicle check points in several areas of the country currently, and ask to search your vehicle.

Nothing illegal about asking for permission to search or going through with the search if some fool wants to be a 'good citizen'.

Michael

July 13th, 2012, 02:07 PM

highvoltage

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatAz

Show some proof and not just some "chatter". Then we can start to worry.

The surprise element of a VIPR team accompanying local police at a train station or truck weigh station on the day of a planned attack might force a terrorist to cancel the attack. "This kind of unpredictability is another tool in the toolbox to manipulate and play with their minds and cause a level of tactical deterrence," Rand security analyst Brian A. Jackson said.

Really????? getting into the minds of a fanatic. Good luck with that. :rofl:

Quote:

When asked if VIPR has ever directly resulted in discovered explosives or the arrest of suspected attackers, Thompson said,

I take that as a big ol fat NO. When has the gubment not jumped up to say "Look what we stopped" now give us more money.... ?

I have not seen them, doesn't mean thay are not out there. :tinhat2:

July 13th, 2012, 03:15 PM

WHYDAH

Hopefully is it BS. I described it as "chatter" in seeking any confirmation. Can't get confirmation without asking. :-)

July 13th, 2012, 03:52 PM

Hiram25

They can ask, I can refuse!

July 13th, 2012, 03:58 PM

Lotus222

Well, with the EPA showing up at peoples front doors with armed "enforcement" teams, I wouldn't be surprised if the TSA attempted the same.

July 13th, 2012, 04:01 PM

mlr1m

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hiram25

They can ask, I can refuse!

Thats just a minor flaw that WE hope to remedy in the future.
J/K sorta.

Michael

July 13th, 2012, 04:18 PM

dukalmighty

I'm gonna have to keep the lid down on the toilet,hate to have one pop up in my byproduct aqua transit removal platform